Apple announces new range of products

On the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple has released the iPhone X and iPhone 8 and 8Plus. With a range of features including new emoji, newly created animoji, Face ID, a new dual-lens 12-megapixel camera and plenty more, it’s Apple’s greatest piece of smartphone tech yet. Pre-orders will become available from October.

Snapchat releases 3D animated Bitmoji

Bitmoji, the Snapchat feature allowing users to create a 2D emoji version of themselves, has released an update welcoming them to the 3D world. The new Bitmoji can also be animated and perform a number of different actions, like riding a skateboard or drinking a cup of coffee. The feature can be accessed through the Lens carousel and is available to all users in the new update.

Facebook bans spend on negative content

In it’s continuing fight against fake news and other bad behaviour, Facebook has banned the monetisation of content involving violence, pornography, drugs or hate speech. This change will affect Branded Content, Instant Articles and Video advertisement interludes. The changes will have a massive affect for Watch, Facebook’s video content hub.

Facebook testing new group video chat app

Facebook is testing a standalone group video chat app called Bonfire. The app allows users and up to 7 other friends to chat through a live stream, with included special effects similar to Snapchat and Instagram filters. The features can also be accessed through Messenger without the need for the new app, and users can invite anyone from around the world (although it’s currently only rolling out in Denmark).

Facebook to launch faster-loading Instant Videos

Facebook is testing a new feature that downloads and caches video content to your smartphone while on WiFi, to be accessed later for viewing. Called Instant Videos, the Facebook-hosted format loads faster on mobile compared to mobile websites which aims to increase user retention. It will also be a critical factor in the new video Watch tab recently released.